Casual Sexual Relationships and Experiences in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Casual sexual relationships and experiences (CSREs) such as hookups, one-night stands, friends with benefits relationships, and booty calls have received increasing attention in the past decade. This review examines the role of CSREs during emerging adulthood, as well as similarities and differences among the different types of CSREs. Furthermore, we examine the predictors and positive and negative consequences of engaging in CSREs. While research in the area of CSREs has provided important information about the development and course of these relationships/experiences, future research should focus on exploring these relationships/experiences using an integrated theoretical perspective and longitudinal methods, in diverse, noncollege samples.